Tanzania court under tight security as opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s cases proceed

Dar es Salaam. Security was heightened once again at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam on Monday, June 16, 2025, as two cases involving opposition leader and Chadema national chairman Tundu Lissu resumed.

Lissu is facing two separate charges—one of treason and another relating to the publication of false information online.

The cases, currently at different stages, are being handled by two different magistrates.

In the treason case, the State was expected to update the court on the status of investigations, while the false information case was scheduled to proceed to full hearing, with the prosecution set to begin presenting its evidence.

A team from The Citizen at the scene reported a significant police presence around the court premises. Officers were stationed at the gates and throughout the perimeter, screening individuals entering and leaving the compound.

Some were on foot patrol, while others were mounted on horseback, intermittently dispersing groups gathered outside.

Water cannon trucks were also seen parked nearby—a level of security that has now become routine during court appearances involving Lissu.

At 8:29 a.m., a convoy led by police vehicles arrived, escorting Lissu, who was transported under heavy guard by prison officers.

The officers disembarked at a run and entered through the court’s rear gate, quickly securing the premises.

Supporters of the opposition leader were also in attendance, including several Chadema members wearing T-shirts bearing the slogan “No Reforms, No Election.”

Among those present was a member of Chadema’s Board of Trustees, Dr Azaveli Lwaitama. He was initially seen pacing near the entrance after being denied access to the courtroom, reportedly due to space constraints.

“I was told the room is already full and there’s a limit on how many people can enter. However, I’m hopeful I’ll be allowed in because one of the Chadema leaders has asked me to wait nearby,” Dr Lwaitama told The Citizen.

Also spotted outside the court was journalist-turned-politician Eugene Kabendera, who recently joined Chadema from Chaumma. Like Dr Lwaitama, Kabendera was unable to gain entry and remained across the street as proceedings got underway.

Inside the courtroom, Bishop Emaus Mwamakula of the Moravian Revival Church led a prayer session before the hearing began.

The prayer, conducted by a delegate introduced by the bishop, saw nearly all present rising to their feet, with some bowing their heads or closing their eyes in solemn reflection.